(Washington, D.C., August 5, 2015)—Today the Freethought Equality Fund PAC announced its endorsement of State Senator Jamie Raskin for election in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District.

“We are dedicated to ensuring Jamie Raskin’s election to Congress as the first candidate who openly identifies as a humanist with a commitment to champion the First Amendment principles of our Constitution,” said PAC Manager Bishop McNeill.

As a progressive Democrat, Senator Raskin led floor fights in the Maryland Senate to recognize same-sex marriage, pass the Second Chance Act, repeal the death penalty, ban the shackling of pregnant prisoners in labor, and legalize medical marijuana. As a renowned professor of constitutional law and member of the American Humanist Association, Raskin is also one of the nation’s leading advocates for reason in government, science-based public policy, and the separation of church and state.

“I am fighting for a politics that has all of humanity in mind and does not divide people based on race, gender, sexual orientation or religion,” said Senator Raskin. “I’m delighted to accept the endorsement of the Freethought Equality Fund and everyone else who wants to make sure that we base public policy on science, reason and humanist values that take into account the interests of all people.”

The American Humanist Association defines humanism as a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism and other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

Raskin received national notice from secularists and progressives in 2006 when he testified in favor of marriage equality saying, “When you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You did not place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible.”

More information about Raskin’s campaign is available here, and more information about the Freethought Equality Fund PAC can be found here.

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The Freethought Equality Fund (FEF) aims to increase secular, humanist, and atheist representation in public office so that our government accurately reflects the people it serves. The FEF will support progressive candidates that are strong advocates for the separation of religion and government and the protection of Americans civil liberties.